How Do We Teach Our Children About Love, Race, and Cultural Differences?

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela couldn’t have said it any better. Children are born with a pure heart and if we try our best to teach our children love from the very beginning of their life, they will learn to love. If we teach them to hate, they will learn to hate.

It’s important as parents to teach our children to love because it’s a universal language understood by everyone. Love can be taught by setting examples of being kind, respectful, patient, selfless, understanding, and nurturing. It’s not the easiest thing for a parent to do because we all have emotions, but it’s the right thing. Love is the one thing that heals everything and can change a person’s entire life.

Once a child is taught love at home and also learns to love themselves, they can embrace love around them. Self-love for a child is just as important as loving those around them because they naturally learn to appreciate others. This brings more kindness to themselves and to those in their presence.

When children understand the significance of love, they understand that everyone needs love, regardless of race, culture, religion, or color. And how do we teach our children about all of these things? It’s as simple as discussing it at home through conversations, books, personal stories, toys, and also exposing them to other cultural experiences outside of the home.

Starting from young, children can be taught at home to respect and celebrate the differences among everyone. By doing so, it will help our children understand we are all human and unique; regardless of what we celebrate, how we look, how we eat, or how we dress.

Some tips on teaching your children about race, religion, and cultural differences:

1. Teach them from as early as six months old because that is the when babies begin to notice racial differences.
2. Read age appropriate books that celebrate diversity.
3. Introduce and include toys with different races and ethnicities.
4. Listen to music from all different cultures.
5. Attend diverse cultural opportunities such as festivals or museums.
6. Go to restaurants filled with culture and tradition.
7. Tell stories of anyone who fought for freedom.
8. Give examples of your own personal experiences dealing with racism.
9. Set an example, by being kind and respectful to everyone.
10. Encourage cultural diversity through arts and crafts.
    
    
    If you are interested in books to educate your children about culture, race, and religion, 50 Children’s Books That Celebrate Diversity from The EveryMom is included in the link below. They give a great variety of books that celebrate diversity.